BAKARE LAUNCHES CIVIC PARTICIPATION MOBILISATION TEAM

The Pastor of Latter Rain Assembly and Convener of the Save Nigeria Group, Tunde Bakare, on Sunday launched a mobilisation group that would ensure civic participation in the 2011 elections.
He said it was the first phase towards preparing Nigerians for active civic participation in the coming voter registration and 2011 elections.
While expressing dismay that privileged Nigerians expected the poor to be patriotic ‘on empty stomachs,’ he said it was imperative to reverse the trend. He said it was unfortunate that influential Nigerians, with their education, exposure and access to information and other resources, were not actively involved in political sensistisation.
The mobilisation team comprises volunteers who will visit specified local government areas to encourage Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming voter registration and elections.
“On January 15, 1966, some soldiers struck and we have not been the same. Come January 15 next year, we will be retelling the story of Nigeria positively. It is the day voter registration begins and people should not wait for jingles before they come out of their houses to participate.
“We will use Lagos as a template and export it to other states. We want massive registration of people of voting age. When voters turn out, there will be fear in the heart of manipulators. The polling booths will be a place to settle. We will follow results to collation centres.”
Bakare described members of the team as ‘foot soldiers,’ adding that they would also announce details of local governments in Lagos State and their chairmen.
Bakare dismissed the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by 20 Peoples Democratic Party governors as ‘undemocratic and biased.’